XSeries-forum

2006. 3.0d. I posted a few weeks back about some knocking and rumbling on the front near side going over bumps. So after a new ball joint thingy, drop links on both sides, it's still there. My mechanic, my brother, thinks it may be my strut or mounts.
There is some shimmy at the wheel if I hit a decent pot hole or drain cover. Is there some way of definatavely finding out if this is the case.
Also I have noticed when I use the car first thing there is a groan after engaging reverse or drive. Not as I engage, just as I pull away for the first time. Kinda feels like you've left it for a week and the brakes are a little seized.  Only does it first thing in the morning.
It has been baltic up here. Handbrake shoes are new. Not fitted by me.

P.S....also tried to replace the anti roll bar bushes but access was a bit of a nightmare. They looked fine so tightened up the bolts.

Have you checked that you haven't got a partially seized caliper, drive for 10 mins get out and check disc temperature, also check that caliper bolts are tight. Get someone to flick between forward/reverse while you look through wheels and see if caliper moves. I'm only talking 1or 2 mm movement.

My experience with front suspension bushes is change the lot, it will save several trips under the car. The main culprit tends to be the brake reaction arm. Just make sure the suspension is under load when you tighten it all up.Not heard of top mounts going but well worth checking.
At the rear stand on the side step and rock the car if you here any noises from the rear the rose bushes are favorite for creaks and groans, again I got a kit and changed the lot well worth doing.

As henry says also check for any binding sticking in the brakes or heat where it shouldn't be.

I fixed my moans and groans through divorce but that is a very pricey option 

Seriously though hope u get it sorted. Caliper or badly adjusted parking brake is a good shout if it's not a suspension bush/mount

[quote="grumpywurzel"]
I fixed my moans and groans through divorce but that is a very pricey option 
[/quote]

) ) )
the X5 will happily take a "dead" weight in the boot if your looking for a cheaper option

Change the lot is sound advice. I wish. No garage. Winter daylight and daily runner restricts this I'm afraid.
Ok, on we go. Took the sound advice and stood on the rear runners rocking that cart like a meth head. No sound but succeeded in slipping off and almost losing my jaw bone on the roof rails.
Drove home from work, around 12 miles and felt all of the wheels and discs for excessive heat. Nowt.
Not been able to check calliper movement as the wife responded with 'eh?'.
I did remove the plastic covers from the strut mounts and tighten the three bolts that locate it then I realised I had no idea what I was doing and stopped.
Had a superb drive home with lots of roar and superiority and considered myself lucky.

hope you didn't damage the roof rails

As said mechanic on this project (aka brother with a garage) my money is on worn brake reaction bushes or the top mounts. The X5 is like a JCB in term of weight, so anything approaching 100k, you can expect deterioration in the bushes.

As an Audi veteran for the last 20 years the E53 is new territory, but I'm enjoying the challenge.

Out of interest, can you compress the coil springs with standard Draper spring coil compressors? The springs look heavy duty, and not something to mess with.

I used standard spring compressors without problems, but then I don't have to worry if something hits me on the head?

The worst noises I ever had in my X5  was my Ex-Wife.... for some strange reason, all the unpleasant noises have ceased now she has buggered off...
Driving my beloved X5 is now tranquil bliss..

She was an excellent house keeper tho... she kept the house, cars, money, kids, family & pensions...
ha ha

Re X5 noises... I found a TOTAL suspension part linkage & bush kit from Flea-Bay for under £200, fitted the lot & solved all the rattles & clunks in one go.

Understand that these vehicles drive "tight" & are heavy, and a failed knuckle or linkage or joint can often pass an MOT because the parts all pull on each other making it difficult to identify a specific failure until you hit a pothole & shake everything up.